SupplySide West and Food ingredients North America (FiNA), presented by KSM-66 Ashwagandha, marked the 26th edition of the North American event dedicated to innovation, product development and sourcing in the nutrition and wellness industry. The event took place Oct. 25-26 in Las Vegas.

SupplySide West, which hosted more than 1,400 exhibitors, saw attendance up 27% from 2022. More than 200 exhibiting companies were new to show at the 2023 event. Exhibitors showcased the latest developments in ingredients, formulation, manufacturing and packaging covering categories including dietary supplements, food, beverage, personal care and animal nutrition.

“There was palpable energy across the Expo Hall and conference sessions which underscored the highly valued experience that SupplySide West provides to those in the nutrition community across food, beverage and supplements categories,” said Danica Cullins, senior vice president at SupplySide, in a statement. “From concept to creation, SupplySide West is the platform that propels the health and wellness industry forward to deliver products that support healthy consumer lifestyles.”

Timely and relevant industry topics and trends covered advances in compliance, regulation, formulation and sustainability. Through the five-day series of education sessions, briefs and training courses, researchers, scientists, doctors and medical experts provided insights into the data and components behind products in a variety of categories. Education topics ranged from AI and blockchain to regenerative agriculture, fermentation, supplement intake and supply chain solutions. Top conversations surrounded progress in healthy ageing, women's health, general well-being and immunity, as well as the evolution of food through sugar reductions, natural food coloring options and elevating taste.

The following are highlights from some of the events exhibitors:

At SupplySide West 2023, ADM examined trending and emerging health and wellness segments – including women’s health, gut health, active nutrition and beauty-from-within. Experts discussed why these sectors are in focus and the solutions that are helping drive new product development, it notes. For women’s health, ADM demonstrated how brands can create personalized products with targeted support to help empower women throughout different life stages, including menopause. For gut health, synergies between prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics are highlighting a balanced gut microbiota ecosystem, nurturing the crucial connection between gut health and overall well-being. With active nutrition, ADM showcased solutions designed to optimize the body’s performance and cater to the individual active nutrition consumer’s goals. In terms of beauty-from-within, swallowable and ingestible formats are disrupting the skincare industry. ADM offers probiotic blends to support new beauty-from-within innovations.

Cargill showcased a slew of prototypes for bakery, beverages, functional food and beverages, snacks and sugar reduction. For beverages the company offered a Pina Colada-Flavored Mixer featuring EverSweet stevia and Zerose erythritol, and a Tropical Fruit Flavored Functional Water featuring EverSweet stevia and ClearFlo natural flavor.

Florida Food Products (FFP) showcased the use of its high-potency, clean label ingredients with concepts that included functional beverages, cold brew coffee, and a reformulated gummy designed to appeal to consumers interested in sustaining their physical and mental well-being. Among the beverage concepts were a Cranberry Lime Noo-tropic Drink Mix, powered by green tea and L-theanine; a Cranberry Pomegranate Rose Unwind Lemonade, including FFP’s high potency L-theanine; a Summer Berry Performance Iced Tea, which contains natural caffeine sourced from green tea extracts, and natural nitrates, produced in the U.S. from naturally sourced beets; and a Maple Cinnamon Flavored Cold Brew RTD with Protein featuring a whey protein concentrate.

ICON Foods promoted its ThauSweet DRM, a thaumatin (derived from the katemfe fruit), Reb M stevia, inulin and soluble tapioca fiber blend sweetener that is an ideal solution to replace or reduce erythritol. It also highlighted its Beverage Blend, a liquid solution of allulose syrup, soluble tapioca fiber (resistant dextrin fiber), stevia extract, monk fruit extract and acidulants (citric and malic acid). 

Kyowa Hakko USA commemorated the 20th anniversary of its groundbreaking branded ingredient, Cognizin. Cognizin has been incorporated into a wide range of dietary supplements and functional foods, making it accessible to a broad audience seeking to enhance their cognitive performance. Kyowa Hakko USA's ongoing investment in research and development ensures that Cognizin continues to be a trusted choice for consumers and product manufacturers alike.

Layn Natural Ingredients released the findings of a new human clinical study that demonstrates the efficacy of SophorOx in reducing oxidative stress and providing weight management support. The study was carried out over a duration of two months with a sample size of 50 overweight or obese adults aged 18-40 years with a sedentary lifestyle. The subjects underwent daily oral administration of SophorOx at an equivalency of two 500 mg capsules a day. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in oxidative stress, coupled with significant improvements in weight management and quality of life. SophorOx is an all-natural, plant-derived dietary supplement ingredient derived from Sophora japonica. It contains a minimum of 90% flavonoids including quercetin, rutin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, genistin, and genistein. SophorOx is non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and is free from BSE/TSE contamination and ETO irradiation.

PLT Health Solutions Inc. announced that it will be highlighting new science, new ingredients and new formulating ideas and released four new clinical studies. A six-month study showed long-term and continuing benefits of AprèsFlex 5-Day Joint Support. It also demonstrated joint space improvement and cartilage preservation and protection. Another recent study demonstrated multiple aspects of cognitive performance including faster learning, improved attention, better memory and reduced distractibility for the Nutricog Cognitive Performance Complex. A clinical trial demonstrated increased resting metabolic rate, thermogenic effects and calorie burning in addition to metabolic health benefits with the Slendacor Weight Management Complex. In 2022, PLT announced the completion of the second double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study on AlvioLife and respiratory health. Subjects taking AlvioLife experienced statistically significant improvements from baseline and compared to placebo for lung function, lung capacity and aerobic exercise capacity.

Tate & Lyle featured prototypes like the Caramel Mocha Soft Baked Energy Bar (caffeine-infused), Lavender Lemonade Functional Beverage (excellent source of fiber and features TASTEVA SOL Stevia), and Prebiotic Raspberry Cherry Yogurt Drink.

Virginia Dare celebrated its 100th anniversary at SupplySide West where it hosted the Then. Now. Flavor is Forever. – A Centennial Celebration. Additionally, the company featured an extensive menu of wellness- and nostalgia-inspired flavors: Boysenberry Watermelon-Flavored Hydration Drink; Sparkling Jasmine Nojito Zero-Proof Cocktail; Lychee Melon Mango Protein Shake; Salted Maple Pecan Brittle Protein Shake; and Superberry Lemonade EPA/DHA Gummies.

SupplySide East will take place April 16-17, 2024, in Secaucus, N.J., convening more than 250 exhibitors. Registration opens in December.